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Battlefield Guides
(Note: most Guides will cover all the areas and not just their home base)
Alastair Heron: specialist, qualified Battlefield and Cultural guide who is in the process of reading History and Psychology through UNISA – Manager of family owned Spion Kop Lodge- from where one is able to experience Tours of the Kwa Zulu Natal Battlefields –other options available are: Birding,Sunset Boat Cruises, and HikingTrips to the San Rock Art Paintings –
Contact: Heron Battlefield Tours at Spion Kop Lodge - +27(0)36 4881404 -+27(0)82 5730224/5 – www.spionkop.co.za - spionkop@futurenet.co.za

Badge 47
 ANTHONY COLEMAN has recently been awarded the KwaZulu-Natal Service Excellence Award -- Best Tourist Guide of the Year, 2008-2009. He has led many general and specialist tours within KwaZulu -Natal and South Africa and has established a reputation as a professional and accomplished Guide/lecturer with an easy going but informative manner. A member of the International Guild of Battlefields Guides , Anthony is also an accredited Trainer and assessor for Tourist Guides and is a qualified National Guide. He has consistently been complemented as being passionate knowlegeable and fair in his narration of the incredible events that have made our history the most remarkable in the world. TKZN 2008-2009 Tel:034 212 3401 Cell; 072 204 2986 e-mail: tonytish@worldonline.co.za
Accommodation to compliment my business : Clivia Place B&B to view go to www.wheretostay.co.za/cliviaplace
Bethuel Manyati A trained, qualified and registered tourist guide No KZN 109, based in Nquthu, conducting guided tours of the following battlefields and related skirmish sites. Rorke's Drift, Chief Sihayo's homestead skirmish site, Isandlwana Battlefield, Fugitives Drift and Prince Imperial ambush site. Bethuel is also an expert on Zulu Culuture and has access to the rural community and can arrange for participation in village life. Tel: 034 2719170 Fax 034 2719705 Cell 083 5310061
Bryan van Schaik Has had a strong interest in the South Africa battlefields since high school days. Studied first year anthropology and psychology with U.N.I.S.A. Originally coming from Durban, now, located in Dundee with Bushbaby Safaris, specializing in the Battlefields region. Qualified guide.Tel:0342123216 cell: 0785194451 email: Battlefields@bushbaby.co.za Battlefield Guide for Bushbaby Safaris
Chris le Roux is an accredited National Tour Guide, all provinces. (KZN 160). He was born in Dundee, matriculated at Pinetown High School and at present resides on the Berea in Durban. He holds a B Mil (Hons) degree in Military History from the University of Stellenbosch and had a successful career in the SA National Defence Force. He enjoys to present a balanced account of the battle at hand, based on historical facts and likes to support it with his knowledge on strategy and movement. He offers individual guiding services and tailer made tours backed by a tour company in Durban.
Contact Tel/Fax +27312016301 Mobile +27828517750 E mail lerouxft@mweb.co.za

Chris van Schalkwyk a retired school teacher has had a passion for South African history since his school days. He purchased and restored part of the historic Easby farm, used by both General Louis Botha and General White during and after the siege of Ladysmith. He conducts tours to battlefields, and historic places throughout Kwa-Zulu Natal Tel/fax: 036 48 1128. cell: 082 464 2543 e-mail: webmaster@easby.co.za Web Site: www.easby.co.za
Lindizwe (Dalton) Ngobese, the great-great grandson of Inkosi (Chief) Sihayo, a major player in the Anglo Zulu War of 1879, and the great, grandson of Mehlokazulu, Sihayo’s son, who led a number of companies of the iNgobamakhosi Regiment which formed part of the left horn of the Zulu Army that triumphed at Isandlwana on the 22nd of January 1879. Dalton is a battlefields guide at Isandlwana Lodge that overlooks Mt. Isandlwana and the entire plain where the battle took place. Tel: 034 271 8301/4/5 Fax: 034 271 8306
e-mail: dalton@isandlwana.co.za Web: www.Isandlwana.co.za
Danie du Preez Danie qualified as a Level 4 Provincial Tour guide after training with KZN Tourism and with Anthony Coleman and Evan Jones of Heritage Training Centre. He enjoys travelling and has travelled extensively throughout South Africa. He also enjoys reading, road running, swimming, hiking, riding his motorbike and scuba diving.
Guiding offered to: Battlelfields (Spioenkop, Colenso, Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift etc.), Drakensberg and Zululand (scuba diving)
See link - Tour Operations, Zig Zag Tours and Transfers. (Tours in KZN and airport transfers)
danie@mpmlaw.co.za Cell 0824935465 Tel: 036 631 1131
Dave Sutcliffe has had a long time interest in history and battlefields and found fertile ground for these interests when he settled in Newcastle over 20 years ago. Since then he has spent many years exploring the battlefields in the area and now conducts tours to the Battlefields of Majuba, Blood River, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, Ladysmith, Spion Kop, Colenso, the Churchill Capture site and others.
Contact tel 034 312 3206 fax 086 565 7727 e-mail dave.sutcliffe@telkomsa.net Web site: www.amajubaexperience.co.za
Don Botterill is a KZN registered tour guide specialising in one and two day tours to the Battlefields.His interest in Battlefields history stems from the involvement of his great grandfather who was sent to SA as part of Lord Chelmsford's forces in 1878 resulting in four generations of his family becoming born and bred KZ Natalians.Don's tours are personalised single party groups in a reliable and comfortable vehicle with all permits and licences in place.Visitors gain a true understanding of Zulu and Boer history and culture of the times as well as British Colonial attitudes.Don brings the battles back to life by explaining the strategies and retracting the footprints of the combatants and discussing the bravery and suffering of the men involved and examining the weapons of the time.
Contact tel: 031-7643063 Cell: 0824561805 Fax: 031-7641246 e-mail: daytours@telkomsa.net
Elisabeth Durham was born in France and regularly conducts tours in both English and French.. She is also available as a translator for French speaking groups. She conducts tours to Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Talana, the site where Louis Napoleon, Prince Imperial of France was killed. Tel/Fax: 034 212 1014 Cell: 072 779 5949 e-mail: cheznous@dundeekzn.co.za

Elizabeth (Liz) Spiret was born and educated in the U K. She served as museum assistant in the Siege Museum for 8 years, is a trustee of the Siege Museum and a committee member of Ladysmith Historical Society. Her particular interest is the Siege of Ladysmith and surrounding battles of the Anglo Boer War 1899-1902. She has conducted tours around these sites for many years. Tel 036 637 7702 Cell 072 262 9669 Fax 036 637 2992 e-mail lizs@telkomsa.net
Evan Jones based in Dundee, is a full time independent tour operator and Specialist Battlefields Guide registered in 1991. He is also a qualified Guide trainer and a level 5 Guide Assessor, and with friend and business partner Anthony Coleman runs Heritage Training. He is also a registered Provincial guide and also takes clients on tailor-made tours through Kwa Zulu-Natal, the Free State and Northern Cape provinces. Since 1991, Evan has led groups large and small, made up of Royalty, stars of TV & film, VIP’s, Army groups, from Generals to Private, and also the ordinary man–in-the-street, through the many battlefields and the beautiful Province of KwaZulu-Natal where he lives. Over the years, he has acquired a vast knowledge of both the battlefields and the province. His easy going professional and informative presentations bring out his long held passion for history and the battlefields where he works.He has previously been awarded Tour Operator of the Year by KwaZulu-Natal TourismIn 2007 after completing all 9 assignments successfully, he was awarded badge No 27 by the International Guild of Battlefield guides, and became the first South African to receive this prestigious award.
Tel/Fax: 034 212 4040 Cell: 082 807 8598 e-mail: battleguide@telkomsa.net web site www.battleguide.co.za

Foy Vermaak was born and grew up in this once turbulent area. He has accumulated a comprehensive knowledge of the history and customs over the past 50 years. Although soft spoken the manner in which he tells his tales grips the imagination of the listener and makes the events of the battlefields come alive. An English, Afrikaans and Zulu linguist. Foy is a 12th generation South African and his ancestors took part in most of the wars and opening of the present South Africa. Maternal side great grand father was second in command at Blood river with all ancestors having actively taken part. Fought on Boer side in Anglo Boer war as Natal rebels. Foy's late wife is descended from Dougald Mac Phail founder of the town of Dundee and one of the 17 survivors who escaped from Isandlwana. Sixth generation on family farm from where he operates the Penny Farthing Country House. Guides to Bloedrivier, Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift, Hlobane, Talana, Helpmekaar and most Battlefields in and around Ladysmith.
Has a good knowledge of the Canibal history and final battle which happened on his property.
Tel/fax: 034 642 1925 e-mail: foy@pennyf.co.za Web: www.pennyf.co.za
George Irwin graduated from the University of St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland with an MA (Hons.) Modern History, including a dissertation written on Durnford and the Battle of Isandlwana.
Having served in the United Kingdom’s Territorial Army and having a strong military background and upbringing (being the son of Adjutant-General Irwin), George has a very good insight into the methods and traditions of the British Army; very useful when considering the subject matter of the Lodge’s tours and with dealing with, and relating to, clients. Mature beyond his years, he now works at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge assisting with the lectures and tours to the battlefields.
Tel: 034 642 1843 / 271 8051 e-mail:marketing@fugitivesdrift.com website : www.fugitivesdrift.com
George Mitchell-Innes lives on his farm at Elandslaagte and from this base conducts guests on tours of the Elandslaagte battlefield and other sites in the Ladysmith area. He has an excellent collection of material relating to the battle of Elandslaagte. Tel:036 4211860 Cell: 082 734 3118 e-mail: mitchellinnes@mweb.co.za

Henry Bird, a long time resident of Eshowe, is a Zulu culture, nature and history guide. His particularly forte is the Anglo Zulu War of 1879. He is also a provincial guide for KwaZulu-Natal. Registration no. KZN 0131.
Tel 035 474 2348 Cell: 082 484 7406 e-mail: asambe@zulu.com website is www.asambetours.co.za

Johann Hamman is a KZN Provincial Guide who has a B.A. degree in Military History, as well as two Masters degrees in Law and Political Science. He has guided people from around the world to several Anglo Zulu War and Boer War battlefields in Kwazulu-Natal and the Free State, and passionately believes that a people who denies its history, does not deserve its future. He has four ancestors who fought in the battle of Blood River and one who fought on Spioenkop. He is a former Namibian police officer, born in Windhoek, Namibia, and he travelled extensively in Europe, and jointly operates with his wife Michele out of his B&B called History's Walk, in Dundee. Phone him at 082-267-2527, or email him at jhamman@telkomsa.net
Joseph Ndima, grew up in the Mahlaba area between Qhudeni and Malakatha near Isandlwana where British soldiers fought against Zulu warriors on 22nd January 1879. He spent five years as a volunteer educator prior to attending a Heritage Course at Rorke’s Drift where he studied modules in communication, marketing, reservations and conservation. His main interest is meeting people and welcoming them to our African Culture. On completion he was employed by David Rattray at Fugitives’ Drift to build upon his story telling abilities. Joseph has now worked at Fugitives’ Drift since October 2005. He was chosen specifically by David Rattray as his first choice of Zulu lecturer to work with guests at Fugitives’ Drift. Joseph has a great knowledge of the Zulu War and a fine command of English. He delivers emotional, passionate lecturers with a silky, melodic voice.
Tel: 034 642 1843 / 271 8051 Fax 034 271 8053 e-mail:marketing@fugitivesdrift.com web www.fugitivesdrift.com www.fugitivesdrift.com

Ken Gillings is a retired military man and has conducted tours around the battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal for over 30 years. He conducts tours of an elementary or technical nature to the scene of all actions in KwaZulu-Natal. He has undertaken extensive research into South African Battlefields, especially those of KwaZulu-Natal and has written numerous articles and books on the subject. Ken chaired the Anglo-Boer War Centenary Committee in KwaZulu-Natal. He is also registered for the Kruger National Park and all KwaZulu Natal Parks as well as being a registered Culture Guide for KwaZulu-Natal. He has studied the history, heritage and traditions of the ‘Land of Heaven’ since his school days and has spent a great deal of time exploring the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, which he knows intimately. He has lectured extensively on Zulu culture and the Zulu Dynasty.Tel: 031 702 4828 Fax: 086 684 5101 Cell: 083 654 5880 E-mail: ken.gillings@mweb.co.za
Mike Nel grew up in Northern KwaZulu-Natal and has always been interested in Zulu culture. After twenty years service in the coal mining industry and a close working relationship with Zulu men, he retired. He now regularly conducts tours into rural Zululand. With his ability to speak fluent Zulu, these tours into Zulu homes and family life are a rewarding experience. He regularly conducts tours to Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift and is a tour guide at Talana Museum. Tel: 034 212 2601 Cell: 082 366 2639 e-mail: mike@dundeekzn.co.za
Nicki von der Heyde Your Specialist Battle Field Guide:
Nicki lives near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. She graduated from the University of Cape Town having read English and History, and later taught history at high school. After raising a family, she combined her love for travel, horses and South African war history by introducing tours of the battlefields on horseback for the first time. Researching these routes led to the re-discovery of old trenches, gun emplacements, wagon trails, graves and other relics that she is now able to share with those wishing to explore the battlefields with her. Nicki arranges tours and excursions through the Anglo Zulu and Anglo Boer war battlefields and is renowned for her expert knowledge and passion for her subject. These tours may be in a safari vehicle, on horseback or on foot and include cultural experiences and spectacular scenery. She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and an honorary life member of the Anglo-Zulu War Historical Society. She has three times been awarded “Tour Operator of the Year” award. This was in 2006 and 2008 and recently in 2009. Tel/fax +27 031 767 4166 E-mail: nicki@campaigntrails.co.za web: www.campaigntrails.co.za

Omre Nene is the resident Battlefield Guide at Three Trees at Spioenkop, is Zululand born Omri Nene. A French-speaking UKZN Arts graduate. He will unravel the gripping events of the Anglo Boer War that dominate in this area. After studying in both Durban & Cape Town, Omri travelled to various parts of South Africa & abroad, including spending a few months in Detroit, Michigan, performing with a local theatre group.

Contact Omri at Three Trees (036) 448 1171 or email reservations@threetreehill.co.za web: www.threetreehill.co.za
Pam MacFadden, a graduate of the University of Natal and University of South Africa, has done considerable field research into the military conflicts fought in KwaZulu-Natal and has regularly conducted tours around these sites for the past 25 years. She has had 4 books published on the battles of the area. As Curator of the Talana Museum since 1983 she has been responsible for the development of the museum and battlefield which is acknowledged as being one of the finest in South Africa. Tel: 034 21 22654 Fax: 034 212 2376 Cell 079 490 5933e-mail: info@talana.co.za www.talana.co.za
Pat Rundgren has operated for many years as a registered military specialist guide in the Dundee area. Formerly in the Rhodesian Security Services, Pat is a collector of militaria and has just completed his second book. He regularly contributes articles to overseas military history and collectors magazines. He organises adventure tours, hikes, white water rafting, Zulu cultural and battlefields tours. Tel: 034 212 4560 Cell: 082 690 7812 e-mail: gunners@trustnet.co.za
Paul Garner is a guide with over 20 years experience leading tours in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana, including expiditions in search of the Lost City of the Kalahari. These tours go under the unlikely names of The Lost Trails of Zululand and The Sounds of Beethoven in the Bush. He has an abiding passion for Africa, its history, fauna and flora, with a special interest in Birding, Battlefields and Rock Art. He is an Honorary officer of KZN Wildlife, an active member of The Wildlife and Environmental Society, The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Birdlife South Africa and the South African Archaeological Society. He is also a lay minister in his local church.
Tel: 034 212 1931 Cell 082 472 3912 e-mail: lost_trails@xsinet.co.za
  Petros Sibisi
Piet van Rooyen has always been very interested in the history of SA. Living in Ladysmith, he has developed this interest and he conducts tours to Voortrekker and Anglo Boer war sites in the Ladysmith vicinity. He enjoys meeting people and believes that sharing the beauty and history of our country with them is a great privilege. Cell. 082 887 5297 e-mail: piet132@telkomsa.net
Raymond Heron :Owner of Spion Kop Lodge - Specialist South African War raconteur and registered guide will accompany you to the many historic sights of the Kwa Zulu Natal Battlefields. With his passion and unique ability, Raymond transports you back in time, using the theatre of the mind as he paints vivid pictures of the personal trauma and military mindset of the time, which resulted in the slaughter of so many British and South African Soldiers., enabling you, to relive the past that changed our future as you walk in the footsteps of great leaders. Kate Turkington refers to Raymond as “An Historian and Raconteur Supreme!” Daily Tours to the Battlefields
-Contact: Heron Battlefield Tours at Spion Kop Lodge - +27(0)36 4881404 -+27(0)82 5730224/5 – www.spionkop.co.za - spionkop@futurenet.co.za
Rex Duke Has spent his life living in Zululand and has followed in the footsteps of his father Fred Duke , conducting guided tours to the eMakhosini ( Valley of the Zulu Kings) , the Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park (30km away) and the Anglo Zulu War of 1879, in which he specialises. Based at the uMuzi Bushcamp in the grounds of the Ondini Cultural Museum in Ulundi he is conveniently situated for tours of the Zulu Kingdom.

Tel: 035-870 2500, Fax: 086-608 7025, Cell: 082-825 6896, rexduke@tintasafaris.co.za
or website: www.umuzibushcamp.co.za Guide Registration No KZN0060
Rob Caskie, a charismatic and engaging story teller whose imaginative talks are lifelike as he takes you through the battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. He is based at Fugitive Drift Lodge conducting tours for guests.
Tel: 034 642 1843 / 271 8051 e-mail:marketing@fugitivesdrift.com web www.fugitivesdrift.com
Rob Gerrard, FRGS and a former British army officer, is resident historian at Isandlwana Lodge Rob is a highly qualified battlefields guide who gives compelling and passionate accounts of the battles of the Anglo Zulu and Anglo Boer Wars. He has a great enthusiasm for sharing the culture of the Zulu people and Zululand with guests. Tel: 034 271 8301/4/5 Fax: 034 271 8306
e-mail: rob@isandlwana.co.za Web: www.isandlwana.co.za
Ron Gold was born in the heartland of old Zululand. During his travels he has acquired an intimate knowledge of the customs, history and tradition of the "people of heaven" who live in the Kingdom of the Zulu.
A lifelong interest in military history has led to Ron’s present occupation – probably better described as a passion – that of specialist battlefields guide. He has developed a range of day and multi-day tours of Anglo Zulu War (1879) and Anglo Boer War (1899-1902) sites. Time spent with him on any of these famous battlefields will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
An accredited culture guide, Ron can not only guide you, but also plan your holiday to, not only the battlefields, but KwaZulu Natal’s many other attractions, e.g.: Zulu culture; “Big 5” country; The Drakensberg Range - Bushmen Rock Art; etc. Experience “Africa in one Province”
E-mail: stonehaventours@telkomsa.net web site : www.kwazulu-natal-tours.com.
Ron Lock is an Honorary Member of the Battlefields Region Guides Association, and is a battlefield guide and lecturer of many years' experience, leading tours to all the main battlefields - both Anglo Zulu and Anglo Boer War - in KZN. Author of 'Blood on the Painted Mountain', 'Zulu Victory: Isandlwana and the Cover-Up.', "Zulu Vanquished" and many articles on the Battlefields. He operates from Durban and specialises in tailor-made tours.
Email: ngobat@mweb.co.za
Shane Spargo is a Provincial Tour guide who has lived in Ladysmith for the past 48 years and has travelled extensively throughout South Africa.
As a member of the South African Defence Force during the S.W.A.and Angolan conflicts he developed a passion for S.A.Military history which then expanded to include the Zulu, Anglo Zulu and Anglo Boer Wars. He leads tours throughout Natal and the Drakensberg and offers the unique service of leading motor cycle groups in these areas.
Shane is involved in the photographing and documenting of military graves, monuments and historical sites throughout S.A.
See Link- Tour Operations, Zig Zag Tours and Transfers. ( Tours in KZN and airport transfers.)
Cell 0828000620 Tel: 036-6310930 spargo@futurenet.co.za
SIMON BLACKBURN, With wife Cheryl co-owner of Three Tree Hill Lodge @ Spioenkop
BSc Hons Zoology
Started guiding in 1994 - 10 yrs @ Singita, 3 yrs Kwando Safaris, Botswana, 2 yrs @ Three Trees @ Spionkop
FGASA Level III DG Nature Guide, SATOUR Kzn Tourist Guide #112, Botswana qualified guide
Specialize in Walking Trails in Big 5 areas, and History of AB War with emphasis on Spionkop and Colenso
PDP
Phone +27 (0) 36 448 1171: Mobile +27 (0) 82 379 1864: Fax +27 (0) 36 448 1953 : Email reservations@threetreehill.co.za : E-mail : www.threetreehill.co.za
Simon Haw has been taking tours since 1974. Most of these have been school tours and have covered sites as far away as Kimberley and Mafikeng. His career included twenty years of teaching mostly History. He was subsequently promoted first as an educational researcher and then for the last twelve years as a History subject advisor. He retired at the end of 2007 and is now an accredited KZN tour guide with a particular but not exclusive interest in battlefield tours. He is the author of For "Hearth and Home": The story of Maritzburg College and "Bearing Witness" a history of the Witness newspaper, as well as contributing to a number of current History and Social Science textbooks. Contact details: 082 824 8326 (cell), 033 343 3847 (home) simonhaw@telkomsa.net
Thulani Khuzwayo is based at Rorke's Drift and conducts tours of Rorke's Drift, Isandlwana and Fugitives' Drift. Thulani is also an expert on Zulu culture and traditions.
Cell 072 872 9782 e-mail: thulani.khuzwayo@gmail.com
Vincent Horn
Vincent is a Provincial Nature and Culture guide, (Reg no:1204) he grew up in the Ladysmith / Colenso area. Vincent conducts tours to all the Battlefields in KZN. (Spioenkop, Colenso, Ladysmith, Isandlwana, Rorke's drift etc)
Special interest is the digital capturing of all monuments, war graves and battlefield sites.
036 631 0740 083 781 0740 hornv@telkomsa.net

Wilfred Mchunu is an avid enthusiast of the Zulu people with a vast amount of knowledge of their history and culture. Based at Mtonjeni Lodge and Museum, of which he is the curator, Wilfred conducts tours to many historical Zulu and Zulu war sites as well as Zulu cultural sites such as eMakhosini (the Valley of the Kings), Dingane's Kraal and the Battle of Ulundi.Contact: Cell: 079 868 9229, E-mail: info@mtonjanenilodge.co.za
Warwick Baker is a specialist battlefields guide based in Durban. His interest in battlefields of KZN stems from childhood. An avid collector of Africana, he has done considerable research over the years and presents a view that is totally unbiased. Warwick tailors tours to suit client’s needs. He is also a provincial guide for KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, wild life and rock art.
Tel: 031 267 1163 e-mail: siobhan@iafrica.com
Xolani Emmanuel Mkhize is based at Rorke's Drift where he owns and operates the Zulu uMuzi (homestead). In addition conducting tours of the uMuzi where he introduces his clients to a whole spectrum of Zulu customs and life style he also conducts tours to Rorke's Drift, Isandlwana, and Fugitives' Drift.
Cell: 082 341 2563 E-mail:rorkesdriftzulu@webmail.co.za Web: www.anglozuluwars.co.za